The Nerazzurri face Verona in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday night and then take on Genoa in Serie A on Saturday before a two-week winter break begins but the Holland international, along with fellow midfielder Philippe Coutinho, has been dismissed from club duties early. Sneijder was linked with a move to Manchester United last summer.

A statement on Inter's official website read: "It was the last training session of 2012 at the Angelo Moratti centre for Philippe Coutinho and Wesley Sneijder today.

"The two Nerazzurri, at the behest of the club and head coach Andrea Stramaccioni, will rejoin their families for Christmas from tomorrow."

The decision heightens speculation that Sneijder, who has not featured for Inter since September due to an ongoing contract dispute, will leave the club in January.

Coutinho, meanwhile, has been a regular fixture in the team and it is unclear whether his early dismissal indicates a similarly uncertain future with the club.

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.